Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1887-07-21
MARKET POULTRY.
aInts ON the Selection OF stock That yyuI
Give Excellent Results.

/
Give Excellent Results.
In breeding market poultry the first
| thing to decide is just what kind OF
/ fowls sell best in the market where
they are to be offered. If there is a
prejudice against white or black legs,
! feathered shanks, white skin and the
| like, it is useless TO attempt to combat
| it. Simply avoid it by breeding the
fowls that are demanded. The preju-
dice exists and arguments are worse
| than wasted. Il will do no good to
talk until one is hoarse. that people do
not eat the shanks of fowls and that a
white skin may enclose the most deli
cious of flesh. Arguments don't sell
the fowls.
Having decided then what is needed,
which in most American markets will
probably be a plump-made, yellow
skinned, clean-shanked fowl of medium
size, dressing from four to six pounds
as a chicken and from six to eight
pounds as a fowl, it becomes necessary
to select the proper breeding stock.
This will probably be found among such
breeds as Plymouth Rock, Wyandottes
and Javas.
In the selection of breeding stock
color IS matter of Indifference pro-
vided the other requisites are obtained,
although white or light-colored breeds
generally dress to better advantage if
killed when in pinfeathery state. But
constitution and vigor are absolutely
essential, because the chicks are in
tended for rapid growth. and the larg-
est possible percentage are to be raised.
Fresh blood is Indispensable no APP
proach toward inbreeding should be
permitted. The crossing of distinct
breeds is far from disadvantageous, as
cross-bred fowls-i. e., first crosses
are usually hardy and vigorous.
Among crosses which can be made
we can mention few which will prove
very useful. The cross of White Javas
and White Plymouth Rocks, of stand
ard Plymouth Rocks and Wyandottes,
of White Leghorns and Plymouth
Rocks, as well, where few feathers
on the shanks are not Objectionable, of
the Brahmas and Leghorns and of
other Asiatics and Games. Such cross
bred fowls reach marketable size
quickly, are usually plump and well
made, and make very desirable dressed
poultry. A cross of a yellow-skinned
fowl upon the Dorking is also desirable.
The chief objection to the Dorking is
its white skin and legs, but when
crossed with a good yellow-skinned |
fowl the character of the skin will be |
u many cases modified.
To accomplish his purpose the mar
ket poultryman will do we'll to procure |
some good. healthy. thoroughbred |
stock, little off in color and markings |
the hens of one breed and the cockerel !
of another. These can be procured at |
a slight advance upon their value for |
dressed poultry, and for the market |
por 'tryman are of equal value with the |
finest specimens. They are not pro-
durable always, because some breeders !
hesitate to sell culls for the fear that |
they will be exhibited to neighbors and |
friends as fair specimens of the |
breeders stock. Yet if breeder is |
convin' ed that they will only be used |
for legitimate purposes. he will only be
too glad to sell.
With stock selected in this manner
there is every reason to expect excel
lent results, in the production of fine,
growing, healthy birds, that will find a
ready market at good prices.-POuttry
WO1.Ld